Smooth Ironweed (Vernonia fasciculata)

Plant Family: Aster Asteraceae

Wetland Indicator Status: FACW

Smooth Ironweed (Vernonia fasciculata)
The colorful Smooth Ironweed (Vernonia fasciculata)

Smooth Ironweed (Vernonia fasciculata) produces relatively small clusters of flowers, but what it lacks in size it makes up with its blast deep purple color.  While my reference books have little to say about this plant, it speaks for itself with its vibrant color.

Smooth Ironweed rises 1.5- 4 feet above the marshes, meadows and low prairies it inhabits.